Stewardship of 726 acres
includes fire resilience.

The land does the work first. Native plant communities, careful spacing, and seasonal maintenance produce a landscape that is habitat-rich, water-wise, and less likely to carry fire to a home.

Montrêux is a recognized by the NFPA as a Firewise USA® Participating Community.

Aerial view of a residential area surrounded by a dense forest with mountains in the background and a snow-capped peak.

Key habitat features

Flora: The area is characterized by dense stands of Jeffrey Pine, Ponderosa Pine, and the rare Washoe Pine, alongside aspen groves and high-altitude sage and other shrubs.

Hydrology: Galena flows through the area, with additional water from tributaries like Jones and White’s creeks, creating rich riparian zones.

Terrain: Characterized by steep hillsides, rocky outcroppings, and rolling montane forests near the edge of the Mount Rose Wilderness Area.

Climate: Four distinct seasons with occasionally significant winter snowpack and mild summers, perfect for high-country alpine plants and wildlife.

A black bear drinking water from a riverbank in a natural setting with rocks and greenery.

Wildlife and biodiversity

The area is a bustling wildlife corridor, particularly for the Martis Band of the Truckee Loyalton deer herd. Common fauna include:

Mammals: Black bear, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, Sierra Nevada red fox, deer, raccoon, marmot, and various squirrels (Douglas, Golden Mantle).

Birds/Other: Small brown bats, various avian species including eagles and a variety of other raptors, as well as native trout in nearby streams.

Two deer, one standing and one lying on the grass, surrounded by greenery with trees and bushes in the background.

Designated wetlands

Four wetland areas within the community — along Holes #1, #2, #14, #15, and #16 — are protected under County and Federal designation. Entry is prohibited at all times. Course-side paths are a Club Member privilege available outside play hours; when used, dogs must be leashed and walkers must remain on designated cart paths.

A peaceful lake surrounded by tall pine trees and lush green grass, with clear blue sky reflected on the water surface.

A high-elevation coniferous forest at the edge of the Mount Rose Wilderness.

The natural habitat of Montrêux is a high-elevation coniferous forest located on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Dominated by Jeffery and Ponderosa pines, this lush area at roughly 5,500–6,000+ feet features year-round creeks, dense forest terrain, high desert vistas, and snowy winters.

Montreux gatehouse illuminated at dusk, surrounded by trees and a landscaped driveway.

Authoritative sources, and a plant guide for the Sierra front.

Defensible space guide

Home hardening checklist

Evacuation checklist

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District

Washoe County emergency notifications

Choosing the right plants — fire-resilient species, and what to avoid; both halves of the question — recommended species for the Sierra front, and the high-flammability or invasive plants to keep off the lot — covered in a single authoritative guide: unr.edu

A mountain capped with snow under a clear blue sky, forested slopes, a row of pine trees, and a well-manicured grass field in the foreground.

Thinking defense-in-depth when it comes to your home — zones zero, one, and two.

Defensible Space is the buffer around a home where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire hazard. By creating defensible space around your home, it increases the chance of home survival and provides a space for firefighters to safely defend the home during a wildfire event.

Read the full Defensible Space guide: livingwithfire.org